"For the longest time Canonical has slapped an LTS moniker on some of their Ubuntu releases. Currently, a new major release of the operating system happens every six months, and is supported for 18 months after release. Whereas in the past when LTS versions received two years support or more, the current model - starting with 12.04 - supports new LTS releases for five years. However, a recent public Google Hangouts session revealed that Canonical has been thinking about switching from the venerable LTS model to a rolling release, starting with version 14.04."

- Regular releases are too frequently beta or even alpha quality : the Joe user should always use a well tested LTS

- Now that the LTS benefits from drivers updates (12.02.2) and important apps such as the web browser are backported too ; commercial apps are easier to support if tested against the LTS : overall, it shouldn't be an issue to have the LTS and most important apps up to date

- There would be 1 rolling release to support instead of several intermediate releases. Of course, regressions would be more frequent and quickly fixed. The "rolling release version" should be advertised at people who really want to test / help developers. The "Joe" user should NEVER download a 6-months release, especially just after it's made available anyway. Also, it should be easier for people to get involved in the development if there was a single rolling release.

(and developers would be more eager to sell their apps for Linux if there weren't 50 versions to maintain / support at the same time but "just" the few last LTS).

- Also, there could be some cooperation between the debian "CUT" team, the LMDE team and the Ubuntu rolling release team.

The BIG point IMHO is : the regular Ubuntu versions (6 months needing several additional months to stabilize) do / will damage the image of Ubuntu. Canonical cannot risk this anymore now that they have "big names" partners.

Canonical cannot continue to release distros that needs several more months polishing when they're aiming at the consumer market ! Hence the LTS / Rolling release strategy. Way to go !!